"Ladies", it is time to discuss Restroom Etiquette!

I just got back from a two week cross country trip from South Carolina to Las Vegas, Nevada with brief stops in Oklahoma and Utah, (to see children and grandchildren). Frankly, "Ladies", I am disgusted with the lack of personal etiquette and manners many women, (I dare not call them Ladies), display in public restrooms.

There is nothing more disgusting than to walk into an empty stall, after hours on the road, to discover pee spattered all over the seat! Invariably I have to clean the seat before I can use it, as the facilities are often crowded with waiting lines.

"Ladies", How on earth does this happen?

I, as a mother, a sister, a daughter, and a wife, a grandmother, do understand small children, who may not be completely on the seat to begin with, splattering the seat. However, where is the mother to teach the child to clean up after themselves?

Then, of course, we understand men and boys in general, having stood by excitedly during potty training with the "sink the fruit loop" guidance systems at our disposal. Frankly, they often splatter, whether from bad aim or distance from the seat or other obvious male reasons. There again I ask, where is the parent to teach them to clean up after themselves?

Certainly, since we are not men or boys, standing up to pee would be a feat worth noting. I remember one of my daughters, having been around boys a lot, insisting she had to stand up to pee. She couldn't understand for quite a while that her anatomy would not permit this type of activity. She finally got the hang of it, however. She was 18 months when this light turned on.

The physical requirements for any woman wishing to use the standing method would require one to straddle the commode, a very uncomfortable feat of athletic prowess with one's slacks and panties laying around one's feet. Even if one were to have been wearing a dress and no panties, the width of the seat would make the action very difficult for most women and very uncomfortable at the least.

Then there comes to mind a more athletic approach which requires one to stand upon the narrow seat and squat over the commode. This relief station style would require a certain physical flexibility and strength. I assume bad knees would hinder someone using this method, as would age and weight.

I realize sanitation is a real issue in public restrooms, however, there are solutions which will insure sanitation without compromising those who come afterwards. A few simple suggestions will also make life a little nicer for all of us.

1. Bring a can of Lysol Spray with you into the stall and clean the seat before you sit.

Yes, it may be a hassle and an inconvenience, but for those who worry about disease, this may provide some respite from worry.

2. Flush the toilet when you are done.

It is a matter of manners and doing unto others that which you would want done for you. Would you do that at home? Would you do that at your bosses home? Would you do that in your mother's home? Then why not show a bit of good will and flush after you use the toilet.

3. Supervise your children and teach them to clean up after themselves.

It is a parent's job to teach their children the basics of manners and etiquette that will help them succeed in this world. Teaching them to take responsibility for their messes is one of the basic principals that will insure a child's success in life.

4. Bring your own toilet paper

How many times have you sat down in a stall only to find out the toilet paper dispenser was empty. Not only is it frustrating but embarrassing to have to ask the complete stranger in the stall next to you to share their tissue. You are then at the mercy of someone who may not want to help. So better play it safe.

5. If you splatter or dribble, clean up after yourself!

Need I say more?

6. Place a sticky note on the front of the stall door notifying the next person there is no toilet paper.

A Kind Gesture!

7. Call the phone number provided on the restroom notices to report any problems or needs in the restroom, or report problems immediately to the manager.

If no one takes the time or responsibility to notify, those whose responsibility it is to oversee the cleanliness of the public restrooms, that there is a problem, there is no hope of improving the conditions. If there are enough complaints, someone will get the point and do something about it.

Here is a couple of great marketing hints for the manufacturers of Lysol Disinfectant spray and Wet Wipes. How about purse size travel kits and containers that we can take into the restroom with us. It would make using public restrooms more sanitary, and less frustrating. This kit could include a small travel size roll of tissue, a purse size can of disinfectant spray, and perhaps Wet Wipes laced with a germicide for wiping the seat. It could even include a tampon or pad all combines in a designer carrying case or bag.

May I say that this issue is one of the many reasons some choose to travel in their own recreational vehicles rather than hassle with these kind of problems. It would benefit motels and hotels to provide these travel kits to their customers.

Thanks for listening!

Chris

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